Bake meatloaf in the preheated oven until firm and no longer pink inside, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meat loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Remove from oven, spread 2 tablespoons ketchup over loaf, and top with Cheddar cheese slices; return to oven and bake until cheese has melted, about 5 more minutes.

Footnotes

Cook's Note:

If you wish to freeze, bake as directed for one hour, remove from oven and cool. Refrigerate until well chilled, wrap, label and freeze. To reheat: unwrap meat loaf and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Top with ketchup and cheese and bake additional 5 minutes.

Most Helpful Positive Review

May 25, 2012

If you are looking for a striking, unique recipe for meatloaf, this isn't your answer. But if you are looking for a very nice meatloaf that everyone in the family will want seconds of, this is the one for you! I followed the recipe with the exception of using dried parsley rather than the fresh. I also added an extra minced garlic clove. With this basic recipe you can do whatever you want to meet your taste requirements, but this is a very wonderful place to start. I can tell you that this is very family friendly and will be made again in my kitchen!

I searched a bunch of recipes and used this as my base to add on. I omitted the oats as my hubby is on a no carb diet. It makes it very juicy, so be prepared. I added a tsp of Italian seasoning and ended up doubling the parsley as I didn't want leftovers, I also added another clove of garlic. I doubled the pepper because I love it. I liked the idea of half meat/half sausage, but didn't have sausage so added a pinch of fennel seeds and a dash of allspice to give it that flavor. I put the ketchup glaze on right away and cooked for 75 minutes. It turned out great!

I use a recipe similar to this one, but I mix 1/2 cup ketchup with 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp mustard, mix half into the ground beef, spread other half on top of the loaf. Shred the cheese and put in mixture. Tastes fantastic

This is the meatloaf my grandmother made - except for the basil. My mother's meatloaf though used bread crumbs... and my meatloaf? Well it's different most every time depending on what I have on hand (cornflakes - crushed croutons, bagged stuffing crushed, oats, zuchinni, pureed chick peas or white cannelli beans, diced tomatoes, spinach and oats) - and it's always a hit as is this one - you just have to know what your family likes before you put it in the meatloaf! :) Thanks Maridele :)

Sounds just like the recipe that I got from my mother. If you like to freeze stuff for easy cooking later- make this recipe into patties and freeze individually and then cook on grill or microwave. I like to make into a sandwhich with melted cheese and toasted bread. Yum!

Great basic recipe. I had no milk so I used sour cream instead. Tomato sauce instead of ketchup, and it turned out very good. Next time with a grated carrot and chopped green pepper, maybe potato flakes in lieu of oatmeal, and a well rounded meal in one pan. I will eat a dessert separately.

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.